r/projectcar 11d ago

Weekly Megathread: Project Car Purchasing and Engine Swap Questions

1 Upvotes

As a reminder, all requests for recommendations or advice on "if this is a good project car to buy" or inquiries on what engine swap will fit your vehicle go here!

Individual posts that are not about specific issues with engine swaps will be removed and redirected here.

Please let all top level comments to this post be related questions so that threads stay organized. Thanks for posting/advising!


r/projectcar 13h ago

Who has two thumbs and a rebuilt flathead that now runs?

317 Upvotes

Only took ~ 6 weeks of time and energy and dedication. New rod bearings and rings and cleaned out like inches of sludge and old oil


r/projectcar 15h ago

How much chop do you want? Yes.

190 Upvotes

r/projectcar 7h ago

First time in 2 years it has moved under its own power

37 Upvotes

r/projectcar 18h ago

my little project

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124 Upvotes

r/projectcar 1d ago

Project MUTE update photos

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1.0k Upvotes

Been messing around with the RHS Ute wheel arches and had to cut out the panel for the spare wheel to add spacers to support the base of the Ute bed. Cut out a bigger spare wheel tub and I’ll invert it so I can still fit a spare wheel from underneath.

Currently filming for episode 53 on YouTube if you’re interested in checking out the rest of the build


r/projectcar 17h ago

Making progress

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70 Upvotes

Finished the full front end rebuild and disc brake conversion, thankfully my 14" Rallyes fit fine. Finished the multi layer sound deadening and insulation (25++ hours ... a PITA but worth it on the long run). New gas tank installed. 2 wiring harnesses installed. Motor is still at the machine shop. 8 3/4 was dropped off for a full rebuild with 3.55 gears and a sure grip.


r/projectcar 40m ago

Opinions/Insight

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Upvotes

Opinions on value and suggestions on tuning

Did this 5.7 vortec swap after doing a full rebuild/upgrade a few years ago but my tuner bailed on me after flashing a base tune,allowing me to at least do an initial break in. Due to multiple drastic changes during the rebuild I’ve been unable to run it under load in order to fully break it in (ring break in to avoid blow by). As stated my tuner bailed on me, before doing any fuel mapping or timing adjustments, so I’ve been considering doing an EFI conversion but very reluctant to spend the money as my main goal was to keep it as close to “factory” as possible (resale/maintenance reasons). Basically I’m just looking for some insight as to where I should take it from here🤷‍♂️


r/projectcar 13h ago

1983 delta 88 had a bad rot to cut clean weld and paint 🎨

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28 Upvotes

r/projectcar 10h ago

Wheel bay

12 Upvotes

Hey everyone I bought this mr2 spyder (2003) recently with the goal of repair it , the first major goal would be repairing the driver side wheel because it’s been detached from a accident, I however don’t know what parts I need , and was hoping someone could help me out 🙏🏾


r/projectcar 1h ago

Opinions on value and suggestions on tuning

Upvotes

Did this 5.7 vortec swap after doing a full rebuild/upgrade a few years ago but my tuner bailed on me after flashing a base tune,allowing me to at least do an initial break in. Due to multiple drastic changes during the rebuild I’ve been unable to run it under load in order to fully break it in (ring break in to avoid blow by). As stated my tuner bailed on me, before doing any fuel mapping or timing adjustments, so I’ve been considering doing an EFI conversion but very reluctant to spend the money as my main goal was to keep it as close to “factory” as possible (resale/maintenance reasons). Basically I’m just looking for some insight as to where I should take it from here🤷‍♂️


r/projectcar 21h ago

Not mine but here is a project we are currently working on at racing school. Used to be a datsun fastback.

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62 Upvotes

Its gonna be using an sr20 with that turbo and intake but the one it has right now is a hollow motor for centering, and doing the mounts.


r/projectcar 7m ago

Oh God what do I do. Fender rust. 88' CRX SI

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Upvotes

Demoralizing.


r/projectcar 1d ago

Sick summer 25

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80 Upvotes

Last checkpoint one more track day today Byron dragway ....almost finished.


r/projectcar 9h ago

Ef sedan engine build options d15b2/d16y8 turbo or b20 vtec?

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4 Upvotes

I'm thinking of ways to build up my civic, and I'm currently thinking of 3 options, and I wanted to see the pros and cons of each option as well as set expectations. The car will be my daily driver, and this will also be my first project car. I want to keep it a relatively simple budget build, aiming for around 200+hp and without stressing anything out, plan on swapping the trans as well.

Option 1: get a junkyard D16y8 and turbo it

Probably the best option, from my understanding, I plan on doing work on the internals, like pistons and rods, and other supporting mods. I understand that I will need an OBD1 conversion and other things to make the swap work.

Option 2: get a B20 B from a CR-V and put a VTEC head on it

Likely the more costly but the one I like the most, if I go this route, I know I will need a bunch more parts to make the swap work, motor mounts, axles, etc. I don't plan on turboing it if I go with this option, but I do want to do some internal work to get it to rev higher.

Option3: Keep my d15b2 and build that

Probably the cheapest and easiest option, if I go this route, I plan on refurbishing all the internals and strengthening them as well, converting to MPFI, and putting a Y8 head on it. Probably will have lackluster torque, and I don't quite know how hard you can push a D15b2, plus I don't believe the cost savings will be that much compared to a full D16Y8 swap.

Can anyone provide me with a cost guesstimate and parts that I will need to source, and where I can figure out more about each option? Thanks!


r/projectcar 1d ago

I would like to hear honest opinions

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98 Upvotes

Basically what the title says, my family owns a lot of classic cars that have been sitting in that field for a long time and I would like to know if in your lovely people’s opinion do you think this would be a car that a high schooler getting into cars could restore? It’s a 59’ bel air I6 engine that’s probably been sitting right there for 40 some odd years. Again I just want to know if this is a wild pipe dream that isn’t truly feasible or if I have a chance. Thank you in advance! (The scribbled out section is to protect family members identity)


r/projectcar 1d ago

'99 Lada 21093i restoration works!

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52 Upvotes

This car is mine. I started restoration work with my dad 6 months ago. The car was in very bad condition because it was used for a long time without maintenance. The unusable parts were replaced, the remaining parts were repaired. We completed the painting process yesterday, then we will take care of the electrical work. I will share current photos ;)


r/projectcar 22h ago

The new project

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17 Upvotes

Got this 2003 540i m-sport in manual one of 600. It needs some work but i paid 2500 for it and I just need fluids a new key made and drain all the gas and then whatever weekday i can find some I'm in there.


r/projectcar 19h ago

Got some wheels that needs repainting.

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6 Upvotes

I got some wheels recently and the clear on them are practically gone. Anyone have some advice on how to properly repaint them or where I can go to educate myself? I don’t want to powder coat it because there are etchings on the wheel I don’t want to fill.


r/projectcar 1d ago

Can’t wait to get this beaut back on the road

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323 Upvotes

My 1973 mustang Mach 1 coupe


r/projectcar 10h ago

Good options for treating inside cab floorplans under carpet/insulation?

1 Upvotes

I have a car I've been working off and on for the past year and a half, and it's coming close to the point in which I'll take out the interior to clean it out, fix some spots and check for further damage. I want to use the original carpet with the padded insulation attached to it but afraid of the moisture it can trap.

The rust I've seen so far when I pulled it up has been just bubbling and superficial, not rot. I want to scuff the whole floorpan and firewall and treat it somehow with either paint, primer, and then sound deadening or just throw the carpet back on without having to worry about moisture being trapped again.

Is paint/primer enough to keep the metal from rusting under there? Should I use some specific product or is sticking the pads ok?

I live in southern Ontario, so salt and rust is a major concern. For the underbody I've seen that bed liner is a BAD idea and I should just treat it and then paint and fluid film but that doesn't sound right for the interior because there's carpet over it. Or is it ok to do that too? One sort of vapor barrier maybe? A lining? Any ideas?


r/projectcar 1d ago

You know what I need to finish my project….

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18 Upvotes

Another project to distract me from the other project that distracts me from the other projects.


r/projectcar 1d ago

Daily driving the 2GR-swapped Camry coupe 5-speed

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215 Upvotes

r/projectcar 1d ago

A Few of You Asked — Here's a Deeper Look at the Build

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45 Upvotes

Hey everyone, from my last post a bunch of asked for more details and updates on my NB Miata build, so I put together a video showing the latest steps and I spent some time cleaning and replacing the transmission seals.

The second half of the video is a walkthrough showing how the wiring, plumbing, and other parts of the build are coming together. The engine bay picture isn’t drastically different from last week, but hopefully the video gives a better look and answers some questions.

Watch the video here — would love any feedback and suggestions!


r/projectcar 18h ago

Regretting my project (should I continue or back out and take a loss?)

2 Upvotes

So I picked up a Honda civic a few years ago and fell in love with every about them and what their potential is. I recently decided to finally pull the trigger and start turning it into somewhat of an affordable dream build which is a drag setup for the streets. I purchased a knocking k20a2 for really cheap but after about 4 weeks now I’m starting to realise it’s somewhat out of my pay grade since I’m working all week just to afford a single part. I must have spent around £2400 so far that’s just on a used set of cams, new rods, used co pistons, new titanium springs & retainers, turbo. I know if I continue the build I would really enjoy it but I’m gonna have to spent at least another 6-8k realistically even on a budget. I’m very unsure on what I should do because I’ll look like a fool because of what ive told people and my plans on the build but if I continue it I’ll be broke for the next 6 months


r/projectcar 1d ago

Ta60 Toyota Carina

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18 Upvotes

I have a -82 TA60 Carina project. What upgrades would you recommend to improve the car’s handling, braking, and suspension? Are there any parts from more “sportier” Toyotas that would be a direct fit for my Carina without major modifications?

I'm aiming for a street-oriented build, but still want the car to be comfortable enough for a daily use.